Standards framework for nursing and midwifery education

These standards (Cymraeg) apply to all education institutions and their practice learning partners running NMC-approved programmes. This document is available in a print friendly version (Cymraeg).

The standards aim to provide flexibility for approved education institutions and practice learning partners, to develop innovative approaches to all education for nurses, midwives and nursing associates while being accountable for the local delivery and management of approved programmes.

Our standards framework

Learning cultureWe’ll only approve programmes where the learning culture is ethical, open and honest, and is conducive to safe and effective learning that respects the principles of equality and diversity. Innovation, inter-professional learning and team working should be embedded in the learning culture.

Educational governance and qualityWe expect education providers to comply with all legal and regulatory requirements.

Student empowermentWe want students to be empowered and provided with the learning opportunities they need to achieve the desired proficiencies and programme outcomes.

Educators and assessorsWe'll seek assurance that those who support, supervise and assess students are suitably qualified, prepared and skilled, and receive the necessary support for their role.

Curricula and assessmentWe set standards for curricula and assessment that enable students to achieve the outcomes required to practise safely and effectively in their chosen area.

Using the standards

It's important to read these standards along with our other Standards for education and training:

what nurses, midwives and nursing associates need to know and be able to do, by the time they register with us

our expectations of education institutions and their practice learning partners for delivering NMC-approved programmes for nurses, midwives and nursing associates.

How these standards were developed

For the past few years we've been developing these standards with input from stakeholders across the UK. We put our proposals to consultation in summer 2017 and listened closely to the feedback we received. Find out more about how the standards were developed.

Go back to

We’re the professional regulator for nurses, midwives and nursing associates. We work to ensure these professionals have the knowledge and skills to deliver consistent, quality care that keeps people safe.